Land Use

The Story of Eastman Clock Plaza in Downtown Cranford
How a small plaza in Cranford, New Jersey became a community beacon.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

Office Conversion Sees No Sign of Slowing
The adaptive reuse of office buildings for residential and other uses will grow by as much as 63 percent in 2024 over last year.

Parked Cars Hamper NYC Trash Containerization Effort
Sanitation workers must manually collect bags from containers blocked by parked cars, slowing a process that is meant to be safer and more efficient.

November Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
The future of planning in the second Trump administration, housing policy, and highway removal — here are Planetizen’s most popular headlines from November 2024.

Plugging the Gap: Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden of Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells
Taxpayers, federal agencies, and tribal governments are working to address Arizona's orphaned oil and gas wells, which pose environmental and health risks, while advocates call for greater accountability from oil and gas companies.

Ohio Invests $58 Million to Revitalize Brownfields and Boost Local Economies
This investment in brownfield remediation will clean up hazardous sites, foster economic development, and create jobs through 61 new projects across 33 counties.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

NYC Launches ‘Smart Curbs’ Program
The pilot program on the Upper West Side will remove some curbside parking spots to replace them with public seating, bike racks, and delivery zones.

Opinion: “New Towns” Are the Answer to Affordable Housing Challenges
How thoughtful design can create more walkable, livable communities.

Revitalizing Cities Through Soil Health, Green Spaces, and Nature-Based Remediation
Investing in soil health, urban parks, and nature-based solutions for brownfield remediation is essential for creating resilient cities, restoring ecosystems, and improving community well-being.

The ADU Movement Grows Around the Country
More states and cities are promoting backyard cottages, converted garages, and other add-on units. Are they making an impact?

Balancing TOD and Public Health
Building housing near transportation networks can improve density and walkability, but can also have serious health consequences for residents.

Parking Mandates Have a New Victim: Daycare Centers
In Washington state, onerous parking requirements are a major factor in a growing childcare shortage.

Trash to Treasure: New Park Set to Redefine Open Space in the San Gabriel Valley
Puente Hills Landfill Park, opening in 2027, will transform a former landfill into a regional park with trails, scenic vistas, and various amenities, addressing environmental justice and providing much-needed green space for the San Gabriel Valley.

Dallas Considers Nixing Parking Requirements
According to one local official, Dallas projects routinely build 20 to 30 percent more parking than they need, driving up the cost of housing and leading to unsustainable land use patterns.

Planning for True Transportation Affordability: Beyond Common Misconceptions
Transportation affordability is important but often misunderstood, resulting in misguided solutions. New research helps identify ways to provide true affordability for economic freedom, opportunity and happiness.

In the Bronx, Planning a More Vibrant Future for a Hospital Campus – and its Community
How an integrated approach to redevelopment is transforming a formerly isolated medical campus into a valuable community amenity.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

Lessons in Child-Friendly Cities From Europe
How parklets, open streets, and green spaces make cities safer and friendlier for children and families.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland